2009 oregon air quality data summaries · 2020. 2. 16. · figures key for 2009 air quality index....

2009 Oregon Air Quality Data Summaries

http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

June 2010

Report

10-AQ-009

ii

This report prepared by:

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

811 SW 6th

Avenue

Portland, OR 97204

1-800-452-4011

Contact:

Anthony Barnack

(503) 229-5713

Last Updated: 6/29/2010 By: Anthony Barnack

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Table of Contents About DEQ ........................................................................................................................................ 1 Oregon’s 2009 Ambient Air Quality in Summary: ............................................................................ 1 Air Quality Index ............................................................................................................................... 2

Emergency Action Plan.................................................................................................................. 2 2009 Oregon Air Quality Index by City ........................................................................................ 3

Air Quality Trends ........................................................................................................................... 24 PM10 Trends ................................................................................................................................. 24 Carbon Monoxide Trends ............................................................................................................ 25 Ozone Trends ............................................................................................................................... 26 PM2.5 Trends ................................................................................................................................ 28 Air Toxics Trends ........................................................................................................................ 35

Maintenance and Non-attainment Areas .......................................................................................... 37 Greenhouse Gases: ........................................................................................................................... 38 Pollutants: Properties, Health and Welfare Effects, and Causes. .......................................................... 44

Fine Particulate (PM10 and PM2.5) ................................................................................................. 44 Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) ................................................................................................ 45 Sulfur dioxide (SO2) ...................................................................................................................... 45 Carbon monoxide (CO) ................................................................................................................. 46 Ozone (O3) .................................................................................................................................... 46 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) ................................................................................................................ 47 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) ............................................................................................ 47 Air Toxics ..................................................................................................................................... 47 Lead (Pb) ...................................................................................................................................... 50 Noise Pollution ............................................................................................................................. 50 Visibility ....................................................................................................................................... 50

Air Quality Maintenance and Improvement Programs .................................................................... 51 Getting Involved............................................................................................................................... 53 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) .......................................................................... 54

2000-2009 NAAQS Exceedances. ............................................................................................... 55 Appendix 1 Air Quality Data Summaries for 2000 through 2009 ........................................................ 58

DEQ Air Monitoring Methods ..................................................................................................... 59 PM2.5 Data Summary ................................................................................................................... 62 PM10 Data Summary .................................................................................................................... 70 Carbon Monoxide Data Summary ............................................................................................... 75 Ozone Data Summary .................................................................................................................. 78 Oxides of Nitrogen Data Summary .............................................................................................. 82 Sulfur Dioxide Data Summary ..................................................................................................... 83 Light Scattering Data Summary ................................................................................................... 84 Air Toxics Data Summary ........................................................................................................... 93 Visibility Data Summary ............................................................................................................. 96

Appendix 2 Oregon Air Quality Surveillance Network .................................................................... 97 Appendix 3 Data Quality ................................................................................................................. 102 ODEQ Offices ................................................................................................................................ 103 Telephone Directory ......................................................................................... inside back cover

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Table of Tables Table 1 Air Quality Index Health Category Descriptors. ................................................................. 2 Table 2. Air Quality Index Ranges and Episode Stages. ................................................................... 3 Table 3. Figures Key for 2009 Air Quality Index. ............................................................................ 3 Table 4. Summary of the 2009 daily AQI values............................................................................ 23 Table 5. Maintenance Areas. ........................................................................................................... 37 Table 6. Pending Maintenance Areas.............................................................................................. 37 Table 7. Future Non-attainment Areas. ........................................................................................... 37 Table 8. Historical and Forecast Greenhouse Gas Emissions. ........................................................ 42 Table 9. 2009 Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). ............................................................. 54 Table 10. PM2.5 98th Percentile – Eastern Oregon. ........................................................................ 55 Table 11. PM2.5 98th Percentile – Western Oregon. ....................................................................... 55 Table 12. PM10 Number of Exceedances – Eastern Oregon. .......................................................... 56 Table 13. PM10 Number of Exceedances – Western Oregon. ......................................................... 56 Table 14. Carbon Monoxide Number of Exceedances. .................................................................. 57 Table 15. Ozone Number of Exceedances. ..................................................................................... 57 Table 16. Oregon Ambient Air Monitoring Network. .................................................................... 98 Table 17. Oregon’s Visibility & Smoke Monitoring Network. .................................................... 100 Table of Figures Figure 1. 2009 Albany Air Quality Summary. .................................................................................. 4 Figure 2. 2009 Applegate Valley Air Quality Summary. ................................................................. 4 Figure 3. 2009 Baker City Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................ 5 Figure 4. 2009 Beaverton Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................. 5 Figure 5. 2009 Bend Air Quality Summary. ..................................................................................... 6 Figure 6. 2009 Burns Air Quality Summary. .................................................................................... 6 Figure 7. 2009 Cave Junction Air Quality Summary. ....................................................................... 7 Figure 8. 2009 Corvallis Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................... 7 Figure 9. 2009 Cottage Grove Air Quality Summary. ...................................................................... 8 Figure 10. 2009 Cove Air Quality Summary. ................................................................................... 8 Figure 11. 2009 Enterprise Air Quality Summary. ........................................................................... 9 Figure 12. 2009 Eugene/Springfield Air Quality Summary. ............................................................ 9 Figure 13. 2009 Florence Oct 2008- Sept 2009 Air Quality Summary. ......................................... 10 Figure 14. 2009 Grants Pass Air Quality Summary. ....................................................................... 10 Figure 15. 2009 Hermiston Air Quality Summary.......................................................................... 11 Figure 16. 2009 Hillsboro Air Quality Summary. .......................................................................... 11 Figure 17. 2009 John Day Air Quality Summary. .......................................................................... 12 Figure 18. 2009 Klamath Falls Air Quality Summary. ................................................................... 12 Figure 19. 2009 Klamath Falls Background on Stateline Road Air Quality Summary. ................. 13 Figure 20. 2009 La Grande Air Quality Summary. ........................................................................ 13 Figure 21. 2009 Lakeview Air Quality Summary. .......................................................................... 14 Figure 22. 2009 Lyons Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................... 14 Figure 23. 2009 Madras Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................. 15 Figure 24. 2009 McMinnville Air Quality Summary. .................................................................... 15 Figure 25. 2009 Medford Air Quality Summary. ........................................................................... 16 Figure 26. 2009 Oakridge Air Quality Summary. .......................................................................... 16 Figure 27. 2009 Pendleton Air Quality Summary. ......................................................................... 17 Figure 28. 2009 Portland Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................ 17

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Figure 29. 2009 Prineville Air Quality Summary. .......................................................................... 18 Figure 30. 2009 Roseburg Air Quality Summary. .......................................................................... 18 Figure 31. 2009 Salem Air Quality Summary. ............................................................................... 19 Figure 32. 2009 Shady Cove Air Quality Summary. ...................................................................... 19 Figure 33. 2009 Sweet Home Air Quality Summary. ..................................................................... 20 Figure 34. 2009 The Dalles Air Quality Summary. ........................................................................ 20 Figure 35. 2009 Crater Lake July–Sept, 2009Air Quality Summary. ............................................. 21 Figure 36. 2009 Eagle Cap Wilderness July–Sept, 2009Air Quality Summary. ............................ 21 Figure 37. 2009 Mt. Hood Summer Air Quality Summary. ........................................................... 22 Figure 38. 2009 Mt Jefferson Summer Air Quality Summary........................................................ 22 Figure 39. PM10 trend for Western Oregon cities. .......................................................................... 24 Figure 40. PM10 trend for Eastern Oregon cities............................................................................. 25 Figure 41. Carbon Monoxide Trend................................................................................................ 25 Figure 42. Ozone trend. ................................................................................................................... 26 Figure 43. Portland/Vancouver ozone trend. .................................................................................. 27 Figure 44. Bend PM2.5 Trend. ......................................................................................................... 28 Figure 45. Burns PM2.5 Trend. ........................................................................................................ 28 Figure 46. Cottage Grove PM2.5 Trends. ......................................................................................... 29 Figure 47. Eugene/Springfield PM2.5 Trends. ................................................................................. 29 Figure 48. Grants Pass PM2.5 Trends. .............................................................................................. 30 Figure 49. Klamath Falls PM2.5 Trends. ......................................................................................... 30 Figure 50. Lakeview PM2.5 Trends. ................................................................................................ 31 Figure 51. La Grande PM2.5 Trends. ............................................................................................... 31 Figure 52. Medford PM2.5 Trends. .................................................................................................. 32 Figure 53. Oakridge Oregon PM2.5 Trends. .................................................................................... 32 Figure 54. Pendleton Oregon PM2.5 Trends. ................................................................................... 33 Figure 55. Portland Metro, Oregon PM2.5 Trends. .......................................................................... 33 Figure 56. Oregon City 2007-2009 PM2.5 Comparison. ................................................................... 34 Figure 57. Benzene Trends for N. Portland. ................................................................................... 35 Figure 58. Aldehyde Trends for N. Portland. ................................................................................. 36 Figure 59. Air Toxic Metals Trends in N. Portland. ....................................................................... 36 Figure 60. Oregon Green house gas emissions trends. ................................................................... 39 Figure 61. Types of Greenhouse Gasses by Percent in Oregon. ..................................................... 40 Figure 62. 1990 GHG Contribution by Sector. ............................................................................... 41 Figure 63. 2004 GHG Contribution by Sector. ............................................................................... 41 Figure 64. Historical & Projected CO2 Emissions. ........................................................................ 43 Figure 65. Projected Greenhouse Gas Emissions by type............................................................... 43 Figure 66. 2009 Ambient Air Monitoring Network. ..................................................................... 101

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Glossary of Air Quality Terms used in this report:

AQI – Air Quality Index – standardized EPA method of reporting air quality BScat – Beta Scattering - a light scattering unit used for visibility CO – Carbon monoxide – An odorless, colorless gaseous pollutant CO2 – Carbon dioxide – Primary greenhouse gas CO2e - Carbon dioxide equivalent – Way to compare other GHG to CO2 GHG – Greenhouse Gas HAPs – Hazardous Air Pollutant as defined in Title III of the Clean Air Act MMTCO2e - Million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent NAAQS – National Ambient Air Quality Standards – federal air quality standards NO – Nitrogen oxide NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide - a reddish-brown gaseous pollutant. NOx – Nitrogen oxides – reddish brown gaseous pollutant - mainly NO and NO2 O3 – Ozone – a gaseous pollutant and a component of smog at ground level PM2.5 – Particulate Matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller PM10 - Particulate Matter 10 micrometers in diameter and smaller ppm – Parts per million - air pollutant concentration. ppb – Parts per billion - air pollutant concentration. SO2 – Sulfur dioxide - a colorless, pungent gaseous pollutant. SOx – Sulfur oxides - mainly SO2 UFSG – Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups – an AQI air quality category μg/m3 – Microgram per meters cubed - air pollutant concentration VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds WAQR – Wildfire Air Quality Rating - wildfire smoke health internet page

Published by the Department of Environmental Quality, June 2010

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Air Quality Annual Report

About DEQ

Mission Statement

The Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) mission is to be a leader in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land and water. Air Quality Division

The DEQ Air Quality Division is responsible for protecting Oregon's air quality. DEQ monitors air pollution to ensure that communities meet the national ambient air quality health standards (NAAQS), to report hourly health levels to the public, and to protect Oregon’s pristine views. The air pollutants of greatest concern in Oregon are: ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog fine particulate matter (mostly from wood smoke, other combustion sources, cars and dust)

known as PM2.5 (2.5 micrometers and smaller diameter) hazardous air pollutants (also called Air Toxics)

DEQ also is concerned about greenhouse gases and along with the Oregon Department of Energy (DOE) is working on strategies to mitigate their release. Greenhouse gases cause global warming and according to a DOE report “The impacts of such changes on Oregon citizens, businesses and environmental values are likely to be extensive and destructive. Coastal and river flooding, snow

pack declines, lower summer river flows, impacts to farm and forest productivity, energy cost

increases, public health effects, and increased pressures on many fish and wildlife species are

some of the effects anticipated by scientists at Oregon and Washington universities.” The Governor of Oregon is also taking global climate change seriously and has created an advisory group which has come up with a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases. For this report and more on what the State of Oregon is doing to lower greenhouse gases go to: http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/Strategy.shtml Oregon’s 2009 Ambient Air Quality in Summary:

PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) remains near or above the federal health standards in many areas. Klamath Falls, Lakeview, and Oakridge violated the daily PM2.5 standard.

Ground level ozone (smog) exceeded the federal standards twice in Portland and once in Salem. They did not violate the standard which requires four exceedance days.

Forest Fire smoke inundated Klamath Falls, Bend, Medford, and Grants Pass in September. Smoke from a prescribed burn inundated Medford and Klamath Falls in November. Air toxics, such as benzene and formaldehyde, remain near or above the health benchmarks.

The health benchmarks are concentration levels at which, if exposed over a lifetime, an individual’s risk of getting cancer is increased by one in a million.

Carbon monoxide and PM10 (particulate matter 10 micrometers diameter and smaller) remained far below the federal health standard. The pollutants have been trending down in the past 10 to 15 years.

http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/Strategy.shtml

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Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an EPA health index which normalizes the various air pollutants in order to report one health level. The AQI updates hourly and is posted online by EPA at www.AIRNow.Gov and on ODEQ and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) websites. The AQI uses index numbers, health levels, and colors to communicate the health levels. Table 1 displays the current AQI scale used by ODEQ and LRAPA.

Table 1 Air Quality Index Health Category Descriptors.

Air Quality AQI Health Advisory

Good 0-50 No health impacts expected .

Moderate 51-100

Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Unhealthy for

Sensitive Groups

101-150

People with heart disease, respiratory disease (such as asthma), older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Active healthy adults should also limit prolong outdoor exertion.

Unhealthy 151-200

People with heart disease, respiratory disease (such as asthma), older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Very Unhealthy

(Alert)

201-300

People with heart disease, respiratory disease (such as asthma), older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

Emergency Action Plan

DEQ uses the AQI to trigger its Emergency Action Plan for extreme air pollution episodes. The AQI and associated episode stages are listed in Table 2. The possible actions are:

100 AQI - Air Stagnation Advisory may be declared by the National Weather Service if a prolonged inversion is forecast. DEQ may issue public health advisories.

200 AQI - DEQ may declare an Air Pollution Alert if the conditions causing the elevated levels are forecast to persist. DEQ may issue public health advisories.

300 AQI – DEQ may declare an Air Pollution Warning if the conditions causing the elevated levels are forecast to persist. At the Warning level, specific sources of air pollution (such as industry) may be requested to curtail non-essential operations and additional cautions are issued to the public.

400 AQI – DEQ may declare an Air Pollution Emergency and emergency measures may be enacted to prevent serious health impacts to the entire population. At the Emergency levels, many air pollution sources are required to cease or severely curtail operations to alleviate pollution levels.

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How the AQI is computed

The AQI is computed hourly using the 24-hour average for PM2.5 and the eight hour average for ozone and CO. The PM2.5 AQI is derived from light scattering data. EPA provides all states with the AQI equation for national uniformity. The AQI is reported by DEQ or Lane County Regional Air Protection Authority (LRAPA) for various cities in Oregon.

Table 2. Air Quality Index Ranges and Episode Stages. AIR QUALITY INDEX, (AQI) and Episode Stage

Episode

Stage Within Standard > Standard Alert Warning Emergency Significant

Harm AQI range 0-50 51-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500p AQI

Descriptor Good Moderate Unhealthy

For

Sensitive

Groups

Unhealthy Very

Unhealthy

Hazardous Very

Hazardous

PM2.5 g/m3 (24-hr aver) 0-15.4 15.5-35.4 35.5-55.4 55.5-140.4 140.5-210.4 210.5-500.4 na

PM10 g/m3 (24-hr aver) 0-54 55-154 155-254 255-354 355-424 425-504 505-604

CO ppm (8-hr aver) 0.0-4.4 4.5-9.4 9.5-12.4 12.5-15.4 15.5-30.4 30.5-40.4 40.5-50.4

Ozone ppm (1-hr aver) n/a n/a 0.125-0.164 0.165-0.204 0.205-0.404 0.405-0.504 0.505-0.604

Ozone ppm (8-hr aver) 0.000-0.059 0.060-0.075 0.076-0.095 0.096-0.115 0.116-0.374 use 1hr std use 1hr std

2009 Oregon Air Quality Index by City

The AQI was designed to provide current Air Quality health information in a timely manner. In addition, the AQI provides a review of the health levels over the past year. Figures 1 through 38 display the AQI health levels over the past year for all the cities where ODEQ and LRAPA monitor air quality.

Table 3. Figures Key for 2009 Air Quality Index.

Figure City or Area Figure City or Area Figure City or Area

1 Albany 14 Grants Pass 27 Pendleton

2 Appelgate Valley 15 Hermiston 28 Portland

3 Baker City 16 Hillsboro 29 Prineville

4 Beaverton 17 John Day 30 Roseburg

5 Bend 18 Klamath Falls 31 Salem

6 Burns 19 Klamath Falls Background 32 Shady Cove

7 Cave Junction 20 La Grande 33 Sweet Home

8 Corvallis 21 Lakeview 34 The Dalles

9 Cottage Grove 22 Lyons 35 Crater Lake

10 Cove 23 Madras 36 Eagle Cap Wilderness

11 Enterprise 24 McMinnville 37 Mt. Hood Wilderness

12 Eugene/Springfield 25 Medford 38 Mt Jefferson Wilderness

13 Florence 26 Oakridge

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Figure 1. 2009 Albany Air Quality Summary.

Figure 2. 2009 Applegate Valley Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Albany Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5

AQI CountGood 331Mod 28UFSG 3Unhealthy 0

Missing 3Total 365

UnhealthyFor SensitiveGroups

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2009 Applegate Valley Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


Missing 7Total 365


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Figure 3. 2009 Baker City Air Quality Summary.

Figure 4. 2009 Beaverton Air Quality Summary.

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Figure 5. 2009 Bend Air Quality Summary.

Figure 6. 2009 Burns Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Bend Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5and Ozone

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Total PM2.5 Ozone FFGood 351 340 122 Mod 7 3 4 UFSG 1 1 0 1Unhealthy 0 0 0Missing 6 21 27 Total 365 365 153

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2009 Burns Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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Good 299Mod 62UFSG 0Unhealthy 0Missing 4Total 365

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Figure 7. 2009 Cave Junction Air Quality Summary.

Figure 8. 2009 Corvallis Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Corvallis Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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Figure 9. 2009 Cottage Grove Air Quality Summary.

Figure 10. 2009 Cove Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Cottage Grove Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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AQI Count Good 323Mod 37 UFSG 3Unhealthy 0Missing 2Total 365

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2009 Cove Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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Missing 18Total 365

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Figure 11. 2009 Enterprise Air Quality Summary.

Figure 12. 2009 Eugene/Springfield Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Enterprise Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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2009 Eugene-Springfield Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5and Ozone

AQI Count

Total PM2.5 OzoneGood 317 323 146 Mod 41 35 7 UFSG 6 6 0Unhealthy 1 1 0Missing 0 0 0 Total 365 365 153

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Unhealthy


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Figure 13. 2009 Florence Oct 2008- Sept 2009 Air Quality Summary.

Figure 14. 2009 Grants Pass Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Grants Pass Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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AQI Count FFGood 295Mod 53 2

UFSG 4Unhealthy 0

Missing 13Total 365

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Figure 15. 2009 Hermiston Air Quality Summary.

Figure 16. 2009 Hillsboro Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Hermiston Summer Air Quality IndexBased on Ozone


Missing 10Total 153


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2009 Hillsboro Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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Figure 17. 2009 John Day Air Quality Summary.

Figure 18. 2009 Klamath Falls Air Quality Summary.

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AQI Count FFGood 264Mod 87UFSG 7Unhealthy 2 2Missing 5Total 365

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Figure 19. 2009 Klamath Falls Background on Stateline Road Air Quality Summary.

Figure 20. 2009 La Grande Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Klamath Falls Background Site Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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AQI CountGood 343Mod 2

UFSG 0Unhealthy 0Missing 20Total 365

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2009 La Grande Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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AQI CountGood 310Mod 40UFSG 0Unhealthy 0Missing 15Total 365

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Figure 21. 2009 Lakeview Air Quality Summary.

Figure 22. 2009 Lyons Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Lakeview Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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UFSG 16Unhealthy 4Missing 4Total 365

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2009 Lyons Summer Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


Missing 0Total 102


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Figure 23. 2009 Madras Air Quality Summary.

Figure 24. 2009 McMinnville Air Quality Summary.

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2009 McMinnville Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5


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Figure 25. 2009 Medford Air Quality Summary.

Figure 26. 2009 Oakridge Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Medford Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5and Ozone

AQI Count

Total PM2.5 Ozone FFGood 271 278 136 Mod 82 69 14 UFSG 6 6 0 3Unhealthy 1 1 0 1Missing 5 11 0 Total 365 365 153

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2009 Oakridge Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5

AQI Count FFGood 298Mod 47UFSG 18 1Unhealthy 2 1

Missing 0Total 365


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Figure 27. 2009 Pendleton Air Quality Summary.

Figure 28. 2009 Portland Air Quality Summary.

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2009 Portland Air Quality IndexBased on PM2.5and Ozone

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Total PM2.5 OzoneGood 307 325 355 Mod 54 38 4UFSG 4 2 3Unhealthy 0 0 0Missing 0 0 0 Total 365 365 365

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Figure 29. 2009 Prineville Air Quality Summary.

Figure 30. 2009 Roseburg Air Quality Summary.

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Figure 31. 2009 Salem Air Quality Summary.

Figure 32. 2009 Shady Cove Air Quality Summary.

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Figure 33. 2009 Sweet Home Air Quality Summary.

Figure 34. 2009 The Dalles Air Quality Summary.

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Figure 35. 2009 Crater Lake July–Sept, 2009Air Quality Summary.

Figure 36. 2009 Eagle Cap Wilderness July–Sept, 2009Air Quality Summary.

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Figure 37. 2009 Mt. Hood Summer Air Quality Summary.

Figure 38. 2009 Mt Jefferson Summer Air Quality Summary.

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23

The 2009 AQI days in the different health categories are shown in Table 4. Table 4. Summary of the 2009 daily AQI values.

County City Good Moderate USG Unhealthy Missing Total

Baker Baker City 336 25 0 0 4 365

Benton Corvallis 327 27 0 0 11 365

Crook Prineville 304 56 5 0 0 365

Deschutes Bend 351 7 1 0 6 365

Douglas Roseburg 339 19 2 0 5 365

Grant John Day 289 42 3 0 31 365

Harney Burns 299 62 0 0 4 365

Jackson Medford 271 82 6 1 5 365

Shady Cove 340 9 3 1 12 365

Jefferson Madras 309 42 0 0 14 365

Josephine Applegate Valley 346 10 2 0 7 365

Cave Junction 358 7 0 0 0 365

Grants Pass 295 53 4 0 13 365

Klamath Klamath Falls 264 87 7 2 5 365

Lake Lakeview 294 47 16 4 4 365

Lane Cottage Grove 323 37 3 0 2 365

Eugene/Springfield 317 41 6 1 0 365

Oakridge 298 47 18 2 0 365

Linn Albany 331 28 3 0 3 365

Sweet Home 292 60 1 1 11 365

Marion Salem 310 48 2 0 5 365

Multnomah, Clackamas Portland 307 54 4 0 0 365

Umatilla Hermiston 136 7 0 0 10 153

Pendleton 320 45 0 0 0 365

Union Cove 327 20 0 0 18 365

La Grande 310 40 0 0 15 365

Wallowa Enterprise 343 19 0 0 3 365

Wasco The Dalles 340 25 0 0 0 365

Washington Beaverton 330 22 0 0 13 365

Hillsboro 288 62 7 0 8 365

Yamhill McMinnville 351 8 1 0 5 365

24

Air Quality Trends

Most areas in the state meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) except Klamath Falls, Oakridge, and Lakeview which currently violate the daily PM2.5 standard. Figures 39 through 41 show the trends in PM10 and CO ambient pollution, while Figure 42 illustrates that ozone is still near the NAAQS. Figure 43 shows Portland ozone trends relative to population and vehicle miles. Figures 44 through 55 show the PM2.5 trends for the daily and annual average standards.

PM10 Trends

Figure 39. PM10 trend for Western Oregon cities. Trend chart uses the 2nd highest annual 24 hour average

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25

Figure 40. PM10 trend for Eastern Oregon cities. Trend chart uses the 2nd highest annual 24 hour average

Carbon Monoxide Trends

Figure 41. Carbon Monoxide Trend. Trend chart uses the second highest annual, eight hour average

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26

Ozone Trends

Figure 42. Ozone trend. The trend chart uses the three year average of fourth highest annual eight hour ozone value.

In 2008 the eight hour standard was lowered to 0.075 ppm.

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Figure 43. Portland/Vancouver ozone trend. The trend chart uses the three year average of fourth highest eight hour ozone value with Vehicle

Miles Traveled and Population trends. In 2008 the eight hour standard was lowered to 0.075 ppm. Population figures are from Portland State University Population Research Center. Vehicle miles traveled are taken from Metro for the Portland/Vancouver area.

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8hr std 0.085 ppm

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28

PM2.5 Trends Figures 44 through 55 provide the PM2.5 98th percentile and annual average. Note: The 98th Percentile is a NAAQS standard and is the 98th percent highest sample day. For example, it is the 4th highest sample day if a site has 200 sample days (200*0.98)=196; 200-196= 4.

Figure 44. Bend PM2.5 Trend.

Figure 45. Burns PM2.5 Trend.

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29

Figure 46. Cottage Grove PM2.5 Trends.

Figure 47. Eugene/Springfield PM2.5 Trends.

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30

Figure 48. Grants Pass PM2.5 Trends.

Figure 49. Klamath Falls PM2.5 Trends.

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31

Figure 50. Lakeview PM2.5 Trends.

Figure 51. La Grande PM2.5 Trends.

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32

Figure 52. Medford PM2.5 Trends.

Figure 53. Oakridge Oregon PM2.5 Trends.

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33

Figure 54. Pendleton Oregon PM2.5 Trends.

Figure 55. Portland Metro, Oregon PM2.5 Trends.

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34

Figure 56 summarizes the 2007 through 2009 (three year average) PM2.5 levels for Oregon. Klamath Falls and Oakridge are designated non-attainment and Lakeview is in danger of being designated non-attainment. Eugene, Portland, Salem, Albany, Cottage Grove, Grants Pass, Medford, Pendleton, Burns, and John Day are above 25ug/m3 and are considered areas of concern.

Figure 56. Oregon City 2007-2009 PM2.5 Comparison. Chart uses the three year average 98

th percentile (the daily standard is 35ug/m

3).

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35

Air Toxics Trends Oregon DEQ began sampling for air toxics in Portland in 1999, La Grande in 2005, Medford in 2007, and Salem in 2008. The Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) began sampling for air toxics in Eugene in 2000. Figures 57 through 59 illustrate some trends for North Portland for select air toxics. More air toxic information can be found in Appendix H. The values are compared to the Health Benchmark which is the level where an individual, if exposed for a lifetime, has an increased risk of one in a million chance of getting cancer. The Quarters in the x axis are defined as:

Quarter Months 1 Jan - Mar 2 Apr – Jun 3 Jul – Sep 4 Oct - Dec

Figure 57. Benzene Trends for N. Portland. Chart shows median quarterly concentrations.

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36

Figure 58. Aldehyde Trends for N. Portland. Chart shows median quarterly concentrations.

Figure 59. Air Toxic Metals Trends in N. Portland. Chart shows median quarterly concentrations.

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37

Maintenance and Non-attainment Areas Oregon hasn’t always met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and initially had several communities designated by the EPA as non-attainment areas. Many of these non-attainment areas have been officially re-designated as maintenance areas while the remaining cities are in the various stages of doing so. Table 5 lists the Oregon maintenance areas. Table 6 shows the remaining non-attainment areas and their re-designation status. Table 7 shows areas that are in danger of be designated out of attainment. DEQ’s web site has current information at http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/planning/maintenance.

Table 5. Maintenance Areas.

(re-designated from non-attainment areas) City Pollutant Re-designation Date

Eugene/Springfield CO 1994 Grants Pass CO 1999 Portland CO 1996 Klamath Falls CO 2001 Medford/Ashland CO 2001 Salem-Keizer CO 2007 Klamath Falls PM10 2002 Grants Pass PM10 2003 La Grande PM10 2006 Lakeview PM10 2006 Medford PM10 2006 Portland-Vancouver 1 hr O3 1996 Medford-Ashland 1 hr O3 1985

Table 6. Pending Maintenance Areas.

(Maintenance Plans in Progress).

City Pollutant Redesignation Status Eugene/Springfield PM10 NAAQS met, plan in development Oakridge PM10 NAAQS met, plan in development Klamath Falls PM2.5 Non-attainment in 2009 Oakridge PM2.5 Non-attainment in 2009

Table 7. Future Non-attainment Areas.

Areas violating the PM2.5standard but not designated yet.

.City Pollutant Redesignation Status Lakeview PM2.5 Not designated

http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/planning/maintenance

38

Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases cause global warming and according to the Oregon Department of Energy (DOE) “The impacts of such changes on Oregon citizens, businesses and environmental values are likely to be extensive and destructive. Coastal and river flooding, snowpack declines, lower

summer river flows, impacts to farm and forest productivity, energy cost increases, public health

effects, and increased pressures on many fish and wildlife species are some of the effects

anticipated by scientists at Oregon and Washington universities.” DOE has produced a report discussing global climate change in Oregon titled Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions. The report is available online at http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/Strategy.shtml The Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group released a more recent report in January 2008 called A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change. The report is available at: www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/docs/CCIGReport08Web.pdf The following graphs and text are from Appendix 1 of the 2008 Climate Change Integration

Group report. In 2004, Oregon’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 67.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e). That was about one percent of greenhouse gas emissions for the United States as a whole, which were roughly 7.1 billion metric tons CO2e. Greenhouse gas emissions increased by 12 million metric tons from 1990 levels by 2004, which is a 22 percent increase over Oregon’s 1990 greenhouse gas emissions of 55.5 million metric tons of CO2e. This compares with a 16 percent increase for the United States. Figure 40 shows the change in emissions for different greenhouse gases between 1990 and 2004. Note: Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)” refers to a comparison of the radiative force of different greenhouse gases related to CO2, based on their global warming potential. It is a way to compare

all greenhouse gases on a uniform scale of how much CO2 would be needed to have the same

warming potential as other gases over the same time scale.

http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/Strategy.shtmlhttp://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/GBLWRM/docs/CCIGReport08Web.pdf

39

Figure 60. Oregon Green house gas emissions trends. From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change.

CO2

CH4 N2O

High Global Warming Potential Gasses

40

As shown in Figure 61, the vast majority of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions (86 percent) came from carbon dioxide (CO2 ). The primary source of CO2 pollution came from burning fossil fuels, such as coal at power plants serving the state, gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. There were also emissions from industrial processes, such as the manufacture of cement and from combustion of fossil-fuel derived products in burning municipal and industrial wastes. In 2004, emissions from methane (CH4 ), primarily from cattle and landfills, contributed seven percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, primarily from agricultural practices, contributed about four percent to greenhouse gas emissions. The “high global warming potential gases” which consist of two classes of gases – hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and perfluorocarbons (PFC) – and one individual gas – sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) – accounted for the remaining four percent of emissions.

Figure 61. Types of Greenhouse Gasses by Percent in Oregon. From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change.

Different sectors of Oregon’s economy contribute differently to the emission of greenhouse gases. Those contributions have changed over time. Figures 62 and 63 illustrate how key sectors contribute in 1990 and in 2004 based on Oregon’s economy. Of particular note is the continuing dominance of the transportation sector as the major source of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions. The industrial sector is a distant second. Oregon’s population growth is reflected in the increase in emissions from the residential sector, and the nation’s continuing trend toward service economy jobs is likely one reason for the growth in the commercial sector. Note that the electricity consumption associated with each sector is included in both Figures 62 and 63, but is embedded as part of the sub-totals in each relevant sector.

41

Figure 62. 1990 GHG Contribution by Sector.

Energy generation is embedded among the sectors. From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change.

Figure 63. 2004 GHG Contribution by Sector.

Energy generation is embedded among the sectors. From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change.

Based on U.S. EPA forecasting tools and previously conducted sector-specific forecasts, the Oregon Department of Energy forecasts that Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions will grow by 30 million metric tons of CO2e, or 55 percent, in the worst case estimate from 1990 to 2020. That rate assumes no change from current practices (a “business as usual” estimate). In reality, it will probably grow less, although domestic reductions may be offset by increased emissions as production shifts overseas. Table 8 shows the forecast by sources of gases, and contrasts it with historical data. Table 8 also provides a hybrid inventory/forecast estimate for 2005. Figures 64 and 65 illustrate the projected future growth of greenhouse gas emissions. The relative contribution of electricity consumption as compared with the direct combustion of fossil fuels (particularly in the transportation sector) is highlighted in Figure 64. The overall contributions of each type of greenhouse gas through 2020 are plotted in Figure 65.

Transportation

36%

Waste

3%Residential

15%

Commercial

11%

Industrial

26%Agriculture

8%

Non-specific Use

1%

Transportation

34%

Waste

3%

Commercial

14%

Industrial

25%Agriculture

7%

Residential

17%

42

Table 8. Historical and Forecast Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Through 2020 (Consumption Basis)

From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate

Change.

43

Figure 64. Historical & Projected CO2 Emissions. (Million Metric Tons of CO2). From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change.

Figure 65. Projected Greenhouse Gas Emissions by type. (MMTC02e). From the Governor’s Climate Change Integration Group report: A Framework for Addressing Rapid Climate Change.

Industrial Processes

CO2 from Electricity Consumption

CO2 from Fossil Fuel Combustion

CO2

CH4

N2O

HFC, PFC, & SF6

44

Pollutants: Properties, Health and Welfare Effects, and Causes. EPA has identified pollutants that are hazardous in ambient concentrations and people who are most sensitive to them. In general the pollutants can cause the following health effects: General Health Effects

People most susceptible to severe health problems from air pollution are: Individuals with heart or lung disease Individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema Pregnant women Outdoor workers Children under age 14 (their lungs are still developing) Athletes who exercise vigorously

High air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems: Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness Added stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply oxygen Damaged cells in respiratory system

Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects: Accelerated aging of the lungs and loss of lung capacity Decreased lung function Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer Shortened life span

The pollutants EPA has identified as hazardous are:

Fine Particulate (PM10 and PM2.5) Fine particulate air pollution consists of solid particles or liquid droplets that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) or less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) (see diagram on next page). Particles in these size ranges are of great concern because they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs where they can remain for years. The health effects of particulate matter vary with the size, concentration, and chemical composition of the particles. In general, particulate matter causes three kinds of health problems: • The particles may be inherently toxic because of their chemistry • The particles may mechanically damage the respiratory system • The particles may be carriers for adsorbed toxic substances Relationships have been shown between exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter and increased hospital admissions for respiratory infections, heart disease, bronchitis, asthma, emphy-sema, and similar diseases. In addition, there may be several potential carcinogens present on partic-ulate matter. Of particular concern are the condensed organic compounds released from low temperature combustion processes (wood stove smoke, for example).

Among the most obvious effects of fine particles are reductions in visibility due to absorption and scattering of light by suspended particles. Almost all smoke particles from residential wood stoves

45

and fireplaces, industrial boilers, field burning, diesel combustion, and other combustion processes can be characterized as fine particulate and most of it is thought to be PM2.5. In contrast, only a small fraction of the particles from road dust, agricultural tilling, and wind blown dust are fine particulate.

PM2.5 and PM10 size compared to human hair.

Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) Pollution made up of particulate less than about 100 micro-meters in diameter is called TSP (100 micrometers is about the diameter of a human hair.) Larger particles tend to settle out of the air quickly and are often more of a nuisance than a health affecting pollution problem. In addition to health problems caused by the fine particulate component of TSP (see PM10 & PM2.5), it may cause soiling and corrosion of building materials and textiles, damage to vegetation, and toxicity to animals that feed on vegetation covered by toxic particulate matter. Natural sources of TSP include pollen, wind-blown dust, and smoke from wild fires. Humans create TSP from combustion sources--like motor vehicles, utility and industrial boilers and dryers, wood stoves, open burning, slash burning, and field burning. Other anthropogenic sources include dust from roads, agriculture, construction, and mining.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Sulfur dioxide is a colorless, pungent gas. In the body it acts as a lung and eye irritant. When SO2 is inhaled, it causes bronchial constriction which results in breathing difficulty and increased pulse and respiratory rate. People with respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema are particularly susceptible to the effects of SO2.

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When particles capable of oxidizing sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid are present, the irritant response increases in magnitude by two to three times. When sulfuric acid is inhaled, mucous production increases. This reduces the respiratory system's ability to remove particulate matter, and can lead to more severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. Chronic exposure to SO2 can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and bronchitis. SO2 can also damage plants and building materials. The leaves of some vegetables (spinach and lettuce, for example) are damaged by exposure to high levels of SO2. Sulfur oxides accelerate corrosion of metals and other building materials (limestone, marble, mortar) by forming sulfuric acid on the surface of the material or in the atmosphere. In addition, sulfuric acid and sulfate particles formed in the atmosphere from SO2 can cause scattering of visible light, thus contributing to haze. These same processes can contribute to acid rain and lead to acidification of lakes and soils. The major source of SO2 nationwide is combustion of high sulfur coal. In Oregon, where burning of high sulfur coal is not allowed, diesel, heating oil, and low sulfur coal are the major sources.

Carbon monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. In the body, CO binds tightly to hemoglobin (the red pigment in blood which transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body). Once hemoglobin is bound to CO, it can no longer carry oxygen. In this way, CO reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and can result in adverse health effects. High concentrations of CO strongly impair the functions of oxygen-dependent tissues, including brain, heart, and muscle. Prolonged exposure to low levels of CO aggravates existing conditions in people with heart disease or circulatory disorders. There is a correlation between CO exposure and increased hospitalization and death among such patients. Even in otherwise healthy adults, carbon monoxide has been linked to increased heart disease, decreased athletic performance, and diminished mental capacity. Carbon monoxide also affects newborn and unborn children. High CO levels have been associated with low birth weights and increased infant mortality. A major natural source of CO is spontaneous oxidation of naturally occurring methane (swamp gas). The major human-caused source is incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, primarily from gasoline-powered motor vehicles. Other important sources are wood stoves and slash burns.

Ozone (O3) Ozone (a component of smog) is a pungent, toxic, highly reactive form of oxygen. The eight hour standard protects the public against lower level exposures over a longer time period which has been found to be more detrimental than shorter peak levels. The long term exposure effects cause significant breathing problems, such as loss of lung capacity and increased severity of both childhood and adult asthma. Ozone causes irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. Exposure to ozone can cause increased airway resistance and decreased efficiency of the respiratory system. In individuals involved in strenuous physical activity and in people with pre-existing respiratory disease, ozone can cause sore throats, chest pains, coughing, and headaches. Plants can also be affected. Reductions in growth and crop yield have been attributed to ozone. Ozone can affect a variety of materials, resulting in fading of paint and fiber, and accelerated aging and cracking of synthetic rubbers and similar materials. It is also a major contributor to photochemical smog.

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Ozone is not emitted directly into the air. It is formed through a series of photochemical (sunlight requiring) reactions between other pollutants and oxygen (O2) during hot weather. Most important are nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. To control ozone pollution, it is necessary to control emissions of these other pollutants. It is primarily caused by chemicals from car and small engine exhaust, and business and industry emissions on hot sunny days.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown gas that is toxic in high concentrations. It is a lung irritant and may be related to chronic pulmonary fibrosis. It is also important in the photochemical reactions leading to the formation of ozone. It can cause indirect damage to materials when it combines with moisture in the air to form nitric acid. The nitric acid can then cause corrosion of metal surfaces and can also contribute to acid rain. In addition, NO2 absorbs visible light and causes reduced visibility. It has also been linked to suppressed growth rates in some plants. The major human-caused source of NO2 is fuel combustion in motor vehicles, utility and industrial boilers. Nitric oxide (NO) is the major nitrogen oxide produced during the combustion process, but once in the atmosphere, NO is rapidly oxidized to form NO2.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Volatile Organic Compounds are a large family of compounds made up primarily of hydrogen and carbon. These compounds are instrumental in the complex series of reactions leading to the formation of ozone and photochemical smog. Many of these compounds are also air toxics. The compounds come mainly from motor vehicles, fuel evaporation, the coatings industry, and combustion processes. The EPA and DEQ do not have a standard for VOCs, however, they are still controlled because of their contribution to ozone formation and because many are air toxics.

Air Toxics Air toxics are generally defined as air pollutants known or suspected to cause serious health problems, like birth defects and cancer. The U.S. EPA regulates 188 air toxics.

Out of these 188 air toxics, EPA selected 33 as the toxics of concern in the air, nationwide. Oregon DEQ identified Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Arsenic, Benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, Chromium compounds, diesel particulate matter, Formaldehyde, Perchloroethylene (PERC), polycyclic organic matter (POM) compounds, and Nickel. All of these substances, except Acrolein, are known or suspected to cause cancer. Other air toxics in Oregon are believed to be below levels of concern. The DEQ Portland Air Toxics Assessment limited the air toxics of concern excluding Beryllium, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloroform, Ethylene dibromide, Ethylene dichloride from the EPA’s list.

Acetaldehyde Acetaldehyde forms as a product of incomplete wood combustion, coffee roasting, burning tobacco, and vehicle exhaust fumes. Residential fireplaces and woodstoves are the two largest sources of acetaldehyde. Health effects from breathing small amounts of acetaldehyde over long periods are uncertain. EPA has classified acetaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.

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Arsenic and its Compounds Arsenic is a natural element in the earth's crust that occurs in two different forms, organic and inorganic. Organic arsenic contains carbon and hydrogen and occurs in plants and animals. Inorganic arsenic typically contains elements such as oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. Inorganic arsenic is the more harmful of the two. Inorganic arsenic is ubiquitous in the environment. Volcanoes release it into the air, as does the weathering of arsenic-containing minerals and ores. Commercial and industrial processes like metal smelting and power generation from fossil fuels also release arsenic, as does burning wood treated with arsenic. Inorganic arsenic can settle from the air to the ground. Food is the largest source of inorganic arsenic exposure for most people, primarily due to pesticide use on crops. Inorganic arsenic is a human poison. High levels (60 parts per million or more) in food or water can be fatal. Arsenic damages many tissues including nerves, stomach and intestines, and skin. Lower levels of exposure to inorganic arsenic may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, blood vessel and nerve damage. Breathing inorganic arsenic increases the risk of lung cancer. EPA has classified inorganic arsenic as a known human carcinogen. Benzene Benzene is widely used in the United States and ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. Benzene is used in the processes that make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources include volcanoes and forest fires. Other sources are coal, oil, and wood combustion, car/truck exhaust, and evaporation from gas stations and industrial solvents. Tobacco smoke contains benzene and accounts for approximately 50% of our exposure. Long-term inhalation of benzene causes many disorders including anemia, excessive bleeding, damage to the immune system and genetic damage. On the job exposure to benzene has been shown to produce an increased incidence of leukemia (cancer of the tissues that form white blood cells). EPA has classified benzene as a known human carcinogen. 1,3-Butadiene 1,3-Butadiene is a combustion product found in motor vehicle exhaust, gas, oil, and wood furnaces, and industrial processes. 1,3-Butadiene is also manufactured and used in making plastics. Studies have shown that long-term inhalation of 1,3-butadiene can result in an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including rheumatic and atherosclerotic heart diseases (hardening of the arteries) and can cause blood disorders. EPA has classified 1,3-butadiene as a probable human carcinogen. Chromium and its Compounds Chromium is a geological metal found in rocks, soil, volcanic dust and gases, plants, and animals. Chromium metal is used mainly for making steel and other alloys. Chromium compounds are also used to manufacture dyes and pigments, and in leather and wood preservation. Manufacturing,

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chrome plating, or burning fossil fuels can release chromium to the air. Chromium particles can settle from the air and persist in soil. Chromium occurs in several forms, one of which is chromium VI. Long-term inhalation of chromium VI causes respiratory tract damage. Studies suggest that exposure to chromium VI may result in complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Inhalation of chromium VI can also increase the risk of lung cancer. EPA has classified chromium VI as a known human carcinogen. The most common form of chromium, chromium III, is not known to cause cancer and is less toxic. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a common combustion product, produced by human activities but also occurs naturally. The highest levels can occur indoors and tobacco smoke is an important source. Major outdoor sources are power plants, manufacturing facilities, incinerators and car exhaust. Chronic exposure to inhaled formaldehyde is associated with respiratory symptoms and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Increased incidences of menstrual disorders and pregnancy problems have been observed in women workers using urea-formaldehyde resins. Studies of workers have shown significant associations between exposure to formaldehyde and increased incidence of lung and nasal cancer. EPA considers formaldehyde to be a probable human carcinogen. Nickel and its Compounds Nickel is a very abundant element. In the environment it is usually combined with oxygen (nickel oxides) or sulfur (nickel sulfides). Nickel is a hard silvery white metal that is combined with other metals to form mixtures called alloys. Nickel is used to make metal coins and jewelry and in industry for making many metal items. It is also used for electroplating baths, batteries, spark plugs and machinery parts. Since so many consumer products contain nickel it is released when municipal garbage is incinerated. Respiratory effects, including chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function, have been observed in workers who breathe large amounts of nickel. Nickel may also cause reactions in sensitive skin upon contact. Some people react if they consume nickel in food or water, or react if they breathe it. EPA has classified several forms of nickel as known or probable human carcinogens. Perchloroethylene Perchloroethylene, also called Perc or tetrachloroethene is most well known as a dry-cleaning fluid. It is also used in text

2009 oregon air quality data summaries · 2020. 2. 16. · figures key for 2009 air quality index....

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